dorsal

dorsal Describing the surface of a plant or animal that is farthest from the ground or other support, i.e. the upper surface. In vertebrates, the dorsal surface is that down which the backbone runs. Thus in upright (bipedal) mammals, such as humans and kangaroos, it is the backward-directed (posterior) surface. Compare ventral.

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dorsal

dor·sal
/ ˈdôrsəl/
•
adj. Anat. , Zool. , & Bot.
of, on, or relating to the upper side or back of an animal, plant, or organ:
a dorsal view of the bodythe dorsal aorta. Compare with ventral.
DERIVATIVES:dor·sal·ly
adv.

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